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Los Angeles Lakers star guard Kobe Bryant will be out at least another three weeks after being examined by team physician Dr. Steve Lombardo on Friday, according to ESPNLosAngeles.com.

Bryant's injured left knee was looked at because he has been experiencing continued pain, swelling and soreness.

The 35-year-old has been out since Dec. 17 with a fracture. He will be re-evaluated in another three weeks.

Bryant was examined at halftime of the Lakers' win over the Dallas Mavericks. General manager Mitch Kupchak said the Lakers want Bryant at 100 percent health before returning to the lineup this season.

"We're not going to push him to get back," Kupchak said. "I don't see why you would. We've made a commitment to him for two more years, and I just don't know why we'd (push him to come back). But if he feels he's ready and he's in shape and he gets the doctor's approval, then there's no reason why he couldn't do that."

The Lakers signed Bryant to a two-year, $48.5 million contract extension in November.

Three weeks would mark a March 14 return date with just 17 games left in the regular season for the Lakers. Even if Bryant is cleared for contact drills at that point, he would likely need additional practice time before he could play a game.

Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni was asked Friday if Bryant would return at all this season.

"I don't know," he said. "That's out of my hands. We'll see. I have no answer to that one."
Bryant is averaging 13.8 points, 6.3 assists and 4.3 rebounds in just six games this season.

He also missed the Lakers' first 19 games of the season recovering from a torn Achilles' tendon in his left leg that he sustained last April.